Interview with Entreprenesses Denise Burchard & Meghann Markham of Bar Method Portland

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May 14, 2010 by Stephanie M. | Comments (3)

Women and men around the country are turning to The Bar Method for a unique and effective workout. This being said, don’t expect your typical gym setting. Instead when you arrive at The Bar Method Portland studio on NW 9th and Hoyt, prepare to step foot into a serene, spa-like atmosphere and to be welcomed by the smiling faces of owners Denise Burchard (right in above photo) and Meghann Markham (left). Denise and Meghann exude a visible passion for The Bar Method workout, which combines the muscle-shaping principles of isometrics, the body-elongating practice of dance conditioning, the science of physical therapy and the intense pace of interval training into a powerful exercise format that quickly and safely reshapes and elongates muscles.

I’d like to know a little about each of you and how you got started with The Bar Method.
Denise: Before I moved to Portland, I was involved with The Bar Method in San Francisco for six years. I took a class and loved it. I had an interest in physical therapy and thought about going to school for it. Instead I took some time off and became a Bar Method teacher. When my husband and I moved to Portland, I knew I could not be without the Bar Method. I had the chance to travel and meet the owners of the Bar Method. They are such a great community of women and they are very encouraging when it comes to helping other people open Bar Method studios. They are so friendly, like a second family.

Meghann: I have been an instructor for the Bar Method for about two years. I never thought of myself as a structured class type of person. I was more into soccer and volleyball. In San Francisco, the Bar Method is really popular, but I still figured it probably wasn’t tough enough for me. I decided to give the introductory classes a try for 30 days. Over the first week, the more I went, the more I loved it. After six months of doing the Bar Method workout I inquired about becoming an instructor. The Bar Method is a unique method of strength versus grace. My husband was transferred to Portland right as I was about to be an instructor, and I was so bummed! I was told there was someone interested in opening up a Bar Method in Portland, and that’s when I was connected with Denise. We connected instantly and decided to become business partners.

What is special about the Bar Method workout?
The Bar Method workout has 17 years worth of safety and effectiveness built into it. It is based on the founder’s pursuit of excellence. The unique foundation of the exercise, in collaboration with aspects from physical therapy, make it special. You experience deep, isolated contractions, but in a way that you never feel unsafe or uncomfortable.

I read that Kelly Osbourne attributes her significant weight loss to the Bar Method. Are there other success stories like this that you have seen at your location?
Yes! If you visit our Facebook page it is always buzzing with people sharing their progress. In addition, we have a special project we just completed called 6/60, where 6 women with 6 different lives experience the Bar Method for 60 days and share their progress. We have seen successes that range from small to large. It can be as simple as being able to do push-ups on your toes, when before you had to use your knees. Two specific examples of client successes are Mary Anne who lost five inches from her waist and Jessica who is now back into her pre-pregnancy jeans.

It’s great that pregnant women can continue to do the Bar Method workout through their pregnancy. Is there any other type of client that would benefit from this type of workout? What type of modifications does this require?
Yes, pregnant women are able to continue at the Bar Method as long as they have taken the Bar Method before. If women have never done the Bar Method, we do not recommend them to start during pregnancy because we have no baseline to evaluate the changes that are happening to their body. There are many modifications we are able to add to make the Bar Method safe for pregnant women and eventually we hope to do pre-natal workshops too!

We have one client with rheumatoid arthritis who comes in 4-5 times per week. We check in with clients’ limitations to meet their individual needs. There are also modifications for people experiencing tightness in their backs, people who’ve had surgery, etc. In addition, we also have new clients come to class early and help them modify the exercise before and during class.

Can you describe to our readers more about your “spa-like” atmosphere and the reasoning behind this type of facility.
We designed our facility to be calm, but energizing and very boutique-like. We strive to keep it nice and comfortable for clients because it is often the one hour of the day that is devoted completely to “you.” During this time clients connect with the body and the mind. The time you spend at the Bar Method is the ultimate “me” time in between busy time. We have passionate people who work here and exude warmth and customers feel welcome, calm, and happy while they are here.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?
We love seeing the challenge that the Bar Method provides for clients. It is a combination of body strength and mental strength. It is amazing to see people push themselves past what they thought they could do. It is gratifying to see the “big sigh” people experience when they’re done with class and everyone is carrying themselves higher and taller. You can really feel the energy in the room!

Is there anything additional you would like to share with our readers?
If all you wanted to do was the Bar Method workout, you would be in great shape. You would develop a high endurance and stamina. But the Bar Method is also great as a complementary exercise. If you have not done the Bar Method yet, put aside your hesitations and try it!

Interview by Stephanie Maul.

3 Responses to “Interview with Entreprenesses Denise Burchard & Meghann Markham of Bar Method Portland”

• Janice Graham-Welsh Says:
  
  May 16th, 2010 at 10:03 am

  I love your article and I would love to try the Bar Method. Do you know if there any Bar Method facililities in the Sacramento area?

• Margie Hickey Says:
  
  May 16th, 2010 at 6:14 pm

  I am very proud to say that Meghann is my oldest duaghter and The Bar Method Studio in POrtland is beautiful. I was lucky enough to spend a week in Portland in March and Meghann gave both me several private classes. I sure wish there was one here in the Sacramento area but not yet!

• Christiane Burchard Says:
  
  May 21st, 2010 at 11:45 am

  Denise Burchard is my daughter in law and I am very proud of her. She put her soul and hardwork into creating and marketing the Bar Method. I will say that the 2 lessons that she gave me when I was visiting were very effective.
  You can definitely feel your body improving with muscles tones and you are actually feel a good accomplishment to yourself. I would definitely encourage all women to yoin. You will be amazed of the end result. Nice bum and nice figure and you can really charm your mate. Good job Denise!
  and Meghann too.
  and Meghann too.can definitely feel you can definetely be edicted mand accomplishment. She is unique and dedicated

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